Bisphosphonate Formulation

ABSTRACT

A bisphosphonate is formulated with an agent to reduce surface tension and/or reduce foaming in the stomach, leading to reduced reflux and oesophageal irritation in use and increased patient compliance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to formulations comprising bisphosphonates and their use in treatment of various conditions, especially such formulations for treatment of osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which the amount of bone is decreased and the strength of trabecular bone is reduced, cortical bone becomes thin and bones are susceptible to fracture.

It is estimated that 10 million Americans have established osteoporosis and another 34 million have osteopenia, or low bone mass, which leads to osteoporosis. The disease is responsible for 1.5 millions fractures annually, mostly involving the lumbar vertebrae, hip, and wrist.

Patients who are at risk for osteoporosis can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Bisphosphonates are also commonly used in the prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis and corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogues of natural pyrophosphate that inhibit osteoclast activity and decrease bone turnover and resorption.

The bisphosphonates alendronic acid and risedronate sodium are considered the drugs of choice for treatment of osteoporosis, but disodium etidronate may also be used. Treatment results in lower fracture rates and higher bone density in both male and female patients. Lifestyle changes are also generally prescribed for sufferers.

Whilst it is known to treat osteoporosis with bisphosphonates, there are a number of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with this class of drugs such as abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhoea or constipation. Severe gastrointestinal reactions and oesophageal reactions such as oesophagitis, erosions, and ulceration have occurred. As a consequence biphosphonates should not be administered to patients with abnormalities of the oesophagus or other factors that might delay oesophageal emptying, or those unable to stand, or sit upright for at least 30 minutes (Martindale). Strict instructions are set out for taking these drugs, patients taking alendronate are instructed to take it on an empty stomach before food and to remain sitting upright without eating for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug. Similar instructions, in some case stricter, apply for other bisphosphonates.

The reason for these instructions is that alendronate and other bisphosphonates can provoke severe oesophageal irritation. This can lead to reflux into the oesophagus and consequent ulceration, oesophagitis, heartburn and retrosternal pain, pain on swallowing and dysphagia. In addition to these side-effects, there is reduced patient compliance with the bisphosphonate treatment, leading to progression of the osteoporosis.

Bisphosphonate treatment is so effective that it is very widely used. Patients have hitherto had to put up with the adverse symptoms associated with bisphosphonate use as there is no alternative treatment that gives such good results.

An object of the invention is to ameliorate the above problems and disadvantages. An object of a specific embodiment of the invention is to provide a formulation of a bisphosphonate which provokes reduced gastric irritation and/or reduced reflux of stomach acid, leading preferably to increased patient compliance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly the present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a bisphosphonate and an antifoaming agent, and also provides for administration of a bisphosphonate in combination with an antifoaming agent.

In use, for example in treatment of osteoporosis, the combination is expected to limit the formation of foams in the stomach. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the associated concomitant decrease in the volume of stomach contents, and additionally barrier properties of some preferred antifoaming agents, will reduce the likelihood of stomach acid reflux and therefore oesophageal irritation.

The antifoaming agent may comprise an agent to lower surface tension and/or to reduce the foaming tendency of stomach contents, and more than one agent may be advantageously used in concert to reduce foaming, and, in preferred embodiments also provide barrier protection.

Antifoaming agents are known to those of skill in the art. Whilst many different agents may be used in the formulations of the invention, presently there are only a limited number of approved antifoaming agents available for pharmaceutical formulations, and these are particularly suitable. Siloxanes can be used. Some embodiments use one or more polydimethylsiloxanes as the antifoaming agent. Preferred embodiments of the formulation of the invention comprise dimethicone BP, simethicone BP (an activated form of dimethicone), or both. The terms “dimethicone” and “dimeticone” are used interchangeably herein. Also, the terms “simethicone” and “simeticone” are used interchangeably herein.

Any bisphosphonate having the side-effect of promoting gastric irritation may suitably be used in the formulations of the invention. The invention applies generally to formulations of bisphosphonates, including for example alendronic acid, disodium etidronate, disodium pamidronate, ibandronic acid, risedronate sodium, sodium clodronate, strontium ranelate, tiludronic acid and zoledronic acid. In preferred embodiments the bisphosphonate may be selected from the group alendronic acid or alendronate, risedronate and etidronate. Particularly preferred formulations comprise alendronic acid or alendronate. Formulations of the invention comprise also a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Bisphosphonates can be co-administered with other agents helpful in treatment of osteoporosis, either directly or dealing e.g. with side effects of the treatment. Formulations of the invention may thus also include one or more of a vitamin D derivative and a calcium supplement.

The term ‘Vitamin D derivative’ is used for a range of compounds which have the ability to prevent or treat rickets. Vitamin D supplements suitable for inclusion in formulations of the invention include ergocalciferol (calciferol, vitamin D2), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), dihydrotachysterol, alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxycholecalciferol), and calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol).

Some calcium supplements which may be used in the formulations of the invention are calcium salts, optionally selected from calcium gluconate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate, ADCAL®, CACIT®, CALCICHEW®, CALCIUM-500®, CALCIUM-SANDOZ® and SANDOCAL®. Treatments of the invention may also be carried out in combination with parenteral calcium supplements.

Particularly preferred formulations of the invention comprise a bisphosphonate, antifoaming agent, a vitamin D derivative and a calcium supplement.

Formulations of the invention include one or more agents to reduce surface tension and/or reduce the tendency of the stomach contents to foam, and may also elicit barrier protection. Treatment according to the invention involves the administration of one or more such agents with bisphosphonates simultaneously, either together (in the same formulation) or separately (taken together at the same time), or separately (time delayed administration).

Hence, the bisphosphonate and the antifoaming agent can be taken separately. In these embodiments the antifoaming agent is generally taken up to 1 hour before and not more than 10 minutes after the bisphosphonate. Preferably the antifoaming agent is taken not more than 10 minutes before and more preferably not more than 5 minutes before the bisphosphonate.

In a further aspect the invention provides a kit including a bisphosphonate and an antifoaming agent. Preferred kits include other actives such as vitamin D derivatives and/or calcium supplements.

In another aspect the invention provides for the use of an antifoaming agent in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of osteoporosis in combination with a bisphosphonate. The invention also provides for the use of a bisphosphonate in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of osteoporosis in combination with an antifoaming agent. Preferably the bisphosphonate is alendronate and the antifoaming agent is a siloxane. The medicament may advantageously contain other actives as outlined herein.

For the purposes of the present specification the phrase ‘treatment or prophylaxis of osteoporosis’ means any and all treatment or prophylaxis for Paget's disease, osteopenia, osteoporosis and corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.

The invention also provides methods for the treatment of osteoporosis comprising administration to a patient of a bisphosphonate and an antifoaming agent.

The formulations, methods, kits and uses discussed offer potential reduced mucosal irritation, gastric irritation and/or oesophageal irritation when compared to the art known bisphosphonate formulations. An anticipated advantage of the invention is hence that this irritation is reduced. Further anticipated advantages are that instructions to patients, which hitherto gave strict advice as to how to take the medicament, can be relaxed and lower irritation will naturally lead to greater patient compliance with the medication regime and greater overall effectiveness of treatment.

EXAMPLES

Various aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Examples. The examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as claimed herein. One of skill in the pharmaceutical arts will understand that some of the ingredients of the formulations given in the examples may be substituted with known equivalent ingredients. These formulations are within the scope of the invention.

Example 1

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg Lactose B.P. 110.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica B.P. 1.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.0 mg Total 400.4 mg

Example 2

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Simeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg Calcium carbonate B.P. 105.0 mg Povidone B.P 6.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 5.0 mg. Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica B.P. 1.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.0 mg Total 400.4 mg

Example 3

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Simeticone B.P. 25.0 mg Dimethicone B.P. 25.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg Magnesium carbonate B.P. 110.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica B.P. 1.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.0 mg Total 400.4 mg

Example 4

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg Sucrose B.P. 110.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica B.P. 1.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.0 mg Total 400.4 mg

Example 5

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg Lactose B.P. 110.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 6.0 mg Isopropyl Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica B.P. 1.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.0 mg Total 400.4 mg

Example 6

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg Lactose B.P. 110.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 6.0 mg Purified Water q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica B.P. 1.0 mg Magnesium stearate 2.0 mg Total 400.4 mg

Example 7

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg Lactose B.P. 110.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica B.P. 1.0 mg Stearic Acid 2.0 mg Total 400.4 mg

Example 8

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 100.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 280.0 mg Lactose B.P. 113.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 12.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica BP 2.0 mg Magnesium stearate 3.0 mg Total 601.4 mg

Example 9

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Simeticone B.P. 100.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 280.0 mg Lactose B.P. 113.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 12.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica BP 2.0 mg Magnesium stearate 3.0 mg Total 601.4 mg

Example 10

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Simeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 280.0 mg Lactose B.P. 113.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 12.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica BP 2.0 mg Magnesium stearate 3.0 mg Total 601.4 mg

Example 11

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 100.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 280.0 mg  Sucrose B.P. 113.0 mg  Croscarmellose sodium B.P. 12.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  2.0 mg Magnesium stearate  3.0 mg Total 601.4 mg 

Example 12

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium  91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 100.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 280.0 mg Lactose B.P. 113.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  12.0 mg Isopropyl alchol B.P. q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  2.0 mg Magnesium stearate  3.0 mg Total 601.4 mg

Example 13

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium  91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 100.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 280.0 mg Lactose B.P. 113.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  12.0 mg Purified water B.P. q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  2.0 mg Magnesium stearate  3.0 mg Total 601.4 mg

Example 14

Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium  91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 100.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 280.0 mg Lactose B.P. 113.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  12.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s. Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  2.0 mg Stearic acid  3.0 mg Total 601.4 mg

Example 15

Alendronic acid 10 mg (as sodium 13.1 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg  Lactose B.P. 80.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  1.0 mg Magnesium stearate  2.0 mg Total 292.1 mg 

Example 16

Alendronic acid 10 mg (as sodium 13.1 mg alendronate trihydrate) Simeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg  Lactose B.P. 80.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  1.0 mg Magnesium stearate  2.0 mg Total 292.1 mg 

Example 17

Alendronic acid 10 mg (as sodium 13.1 mg alendronate trihydrate) Simeticone B.P. 25.0 mg Dimeticone B.P. 250.0 mg  Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg  Lactose B.P. 80.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  1.0 mg Magnesium stearate  2.0 mg Total 292.1 mg 

Example 18

Alendronic acid 10 mg (as sodium 13.1 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg  Sucrose B.P. 80.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  1.0 mg Magnesium stearate  2.0 mg Total 292.1 mg 

Example 19

Alendronic acid 10 mg (as sodium 13.1 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg  Lactose B.P. 80.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  6.0 mg Isopropyl Alcohol USP q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  1.0 mg Magnesium stearate  2.0 mg Total 292.1 mg 

Example 20

Alendronic acid 10 mg (as sodium 13.1 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg  Lactose B.P. 80.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  6.0 mg Purified water q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  1.0 mg Magnesium stearate  2.0 mg Total 292.1 mg 

Example 21

Alendronic acid 10 mg (as sodium 13.1 mg alendronate trihydrate) Dimeticone B.P. 50.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose B.P. 140.0 mg  Lactose B.P. 80.0 mg Croscarmellose sodium B.P.  6.0 mg Dehydrated Alcohol USP q.s Colloidal anhydrous silica BP  1.0 mg Stearic Acid  2.0 mg Total 292.1 mg 

The formulations of Examples 1-21 are manufactured according to the following manufacturing examples:

Example 22

To manufacture tablet formulations of the above examples the dry ingredients 1-5 (dry ingredients 1-6 in examples 3, 10 and 17 where both simeticone and dimeticone are included) are mixed together. Item 6 (item 7 for examples 3, 10 and 17) is then added to form a wet granulate suitable for compression. The wet granulate is then dried and milled to give a uniform granule. The dry milled granules are then mixed with excipients 7 & 8 and compressed to a suitable hardness.

Example 23

Tablets are prepared as above (example 22) but item 2 is omitted from the dry mix and then added to the solvent, ie item 6 (or 7), prior to it being added to the dry mix of ingredient. The remaining steps are the same as for example 22.

Example 24

Tablets are prepared as above for example 22 but item 6 (or 7), the solvent of granulation, is omitted and the product is manufactured by direct compression.

Example 25

Ingredients 1-5 (or 1-6) are dry mixed followed by dry milling. The remaining excipients are then blended into the dry ingredients and the resultant mass is compressed to a suitable hardness to give tablets or encapsulated into a suitably sized capsule.

Example 26

A tablet is made in which simeticone granules are manufactured separately and then blended with the other ingredients.

1. Simeticone B.P. 100.0 mg 2. Mannitol B.P. 400.0 mg 3. Povidone B.P.  6.0 mg 4. Sodium starch glycollate B.P.  12.0 mg 5. Purified Water B.P q.s sub total 518.0 mg

To make the simeticone granules items 1-4 are dry mixed, water is added and then the mixture is wet mixed. The mixture is then dried and milled to give a uniform granule.

A. Alendronic acid 70 mg (as sodium 91.4 mg alendronate trihydrate) B. Simethicone granule 259.0 mg  C. Purified Talc B.P. 18.0 mg D. Stearic Acid B.P.  6.0 mg Total 374.4 mg 

The required amount of simeticone granules (in this particular case 259.0 mg) are then mixed with ingredients A, C and D until a uniform mixture is obtained. The mixture is then compressed to a suitable hardness to give tablets.

Example 27

Tablets are prepared as for the method of Example 26 except that the amounts of items B-D are doubled to give a tablet containing 100 mg simeticone with a tablet compression weight of 633.36 mg.

Example 28

Tablets are prepared as for the method of Example 26 except initially using half amounts of ingredients C & D before dry granulation. The compacted granule is then milled and the remainder of items C & D added. The final mix is then blended and compressed to a suitable hardness to give tablets.

Example 29

1. Etidronate sodium 200.0 mg  2. Simeticone B.P. 50.0 mg 3. Maize starch B.P. 20.0 mg 4. Microcrystalline cellulose 100.0 mg  5. Purified water q.s 6. Maize starch 30.0 mg 7. Colloidal anhydrous silica  1.5 mg 8. Magnesium stearate  7.0 mg Total 408.5 mg 

Items 1 & 4 are dry mixed and then item 2 is slowly added until dispersed. A small quantity of water is then added followed by the etidronate disodium. The ingredients are mixed until well dispersed and additional water is added to form a wet granule suitable for compression. The wet granule is then dried and milled and the remaining items are added. The mixture is then compressed at a suitable hardness or encapsulate into a size 1 capsule.

Example 30

Tablets are prepared as for example 26 but alendronate is separately replaced with (a) 35 mg of risedronic acid, (b) 400 mg of sodium clodronate, and (c) 200 mg of tiludronic acid.

Examples 31-41

Ingredient (mg) 31 32 33 34 Biphosphonate⁺ Q.S Q.S Q.S Q.S Simethicone USP 55.0 110.0 55.0 Dimethicone NF 50.0 — — Mannitol 300.0 270.0 320.0 300.0 Polyvidone 3.5 3.5 14.0 — Maize Starch 8.0 — Pregelatinised — 25.0 70.0 40.0 Starch Microcrystalline 130.0 15.0 120.0 80.0 cellulose L-HPC 20.0 32.0 30.0 30.0 Sodium 5.0 8.0 18.0 — croscarmellose Silicon dioxide 5.0 — — Sodium stearyl — — 5.0 fumarate Total 521.5 mg 508.5 mg 682.0 mg 510.0 mg Ingredient (mg) 35 36 37 38 Biphosphonate⁺ q.s q.s q.s q.s Simethicone USP 55.0 55.0 Dimethicone NF 50.0 100.0 — Lactose hydrous 300.0 360.0 300.0 — Lactose anhydrous — — Mannitol — 250.0 Polyvidone 3.5 — 20.0 — Gelatin. — 18.0 Maize Starch 8.0 60.0 — 7.0 Pregelatinised — — — — Starch Microcrystalline 120.0 100.0 100.0 125.0 cellulose L-HPC 20.0 20.0 30.0 30.0 Sodium — 10.0 18.0 15.0 croscarmellose Ph. Eur Crospovidone 10.0 — — Silicon dioxide 5.0 10.0 — Sodium stearyl — 5.0 5.0 fumarate Total 516.5 mg 683.0 mg 523.0 mg 487.0 mg Capsules Ingredient (mg) 39 40 41 Biphosphonate⁺ q.s q.s q.s Simethicone USP 110.0 55.0 110.0 Lactose hydrous 180.0 Lactose anhydrous Mannitol 200.0 150.0 Gelatin. — — 15.0 Maize Starch 20.0 Pregelatinised — 20.0 Starch Microcrystalline 30.0 65.0 30.0 cellulose L-HPC 10.0 10.0 Sodium 5.0 5.0 15.0 croscarmellose Ph. Eur Crospovidone — 10.0 Total 375.0 mg 305 mg 360.0 mg ⁺The therapeutic dose of the biphosphonate.

The invention thus provides formulations and uses thereof for treatment of osteoporosis with reduced gastric and other irritation.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples one of skill in the art will appreciate that variations may be made to these formulations without departing from the scope of the following claims. 

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A method of reducing oesophageal irritation in a patient in response to administration of a bisphosphonate-containing composition, comprising administering to the patient the bisphosphonate-containing composition in combination with an amount of an antifoaming agent effective to reduce foam formation in the patient's stomach, thereby reducing irritation in the patient's oesophagus.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the amount of antifoaming agent is in the range of 20 mg to 150 mg.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the amount of antifoaming agent is in the range of 35 mg to 125 mg.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the amount of antifoaming agent is in the range of 3% to 40% by weight of the bisphosphonate-containing composition.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the amount of antifoaming agent is in the range of 5% to 30% by weight of the bisphosphonate-containing composition.
 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the antifoaming agent is one or more polydimethylsiloxanes.
 29. The method of claims 28 wherein the antifoaming agent comprises dimethicone BP.
 30. The method of claim 28 wherein the antifoaming agent comprises simethicone BP.
 31. The method of claim 23 wherein the bisphosphonate-containing composition additionally includes an antacid.
 32. The method of claim 23 wherein the bisphosphonate is selected from alendronic acid, disodium etidronate, disodium pamidronate, ibandronic acid, risedronate sodium, sodium clodronate, strontium ranelate, tiludronic acid and zoledronic acid.
 33. The method of claim 23 wherein the bisphosphonate-containing composition additionally comprises (i) a vitamin D derivative, (ii) a calcium supplement or (iii) both (i) and (ii).
 34. The method of claim 23 wherein the bisphosphonate-containing composition additionally comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier selected from one or more of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, calcium carbonate, povidone, sucrose, stearic acid, sodium starch glycollate, talc, maize starch, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, silicon dioxide, sodium stearyl fumarate, gelatin and crospovidone.
 35. A method of reducing oesophageal irritation in a patient in response to administration of a bisphosphonate-containing composition, comprising administering to the patient the bisphosphonate-containing composition in combination with an amount of an antifoaming agent selected from simethicone, dimethicone and mixtures thereof in the range of from 5% to 30% by weight of the bisphosphonate-containing composition, thereby reducing irritation in the patient's oesophagus.
 36. The method of claim 35, comprising administering to the patient the bisphosphonate-containing composition in combination with from 35 mg to 125 mg of the antifoaming agent.
 37. The method of claim 35 wherein the bisphosphonate is selected from alendronic acid, disodium etidronate, disodium pamidronate, ibandronic acid, risedronate sodium, sodium clodronate, strontium ranelate, tiludronic acid and zoledronic acid.
 38. The method of claim 35 wherein the bisphosphonate-containing composition additionally comprises (i) a vitamin D derivative, (ii) a calcium supplement or (iii) both (i) and (ii).
 39. The method of claim 35 wherein the antifoaming agent is administered in the range of from 7% to 18% by weight of the bisphosphonate-containing composition.
 40. The method of claim 35 wherein the bisphosphonate-containing composition additionally comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier selected from the group consisting of one or more of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, calcium carbonate, povidone, sucrose, stearic acid, sodium starch glycollate, talc, maize starch, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, silicon dioxide, sodium stearyl fumarate, gelatin and crospovidone. 